The Complete App Development Process Explained

Whether in the form of games or productivity boosters, there’s no denying the rise of mobile apps. Indeed, people have been reported as spending 88% of their smartphone time in apps. That equates to an average of more than 4 hours each day.

Such apps are of immense business importance as the main touchpoint with customers. However, there’s a challenge in building a stand-out presence, with an estimated 9-10 million apps available to download in 2026.

Thankfully, you can rely on the support of De Bono Marketing Communications, as our digital experts develop innovative, collaborative, and purpose-built apps that push creative and technical boundaries.

Read on as we explain the app development process, from concept to launch and beyond.

What Is Brand Positioning?

Bianca De Bono, Director, said: “Since being established in 2016, we have operated as a successful remote model enjoying year-on-year growth as our client portfolio develops. With a wide international freelance network of over 200 marketing and creative professionals across all disciplines, we pride ourselves on tailoring the right skillsets and passions to each client, resulting in bespoke solutions and award-winning campaigns and events.

“Our remote approach has been a genuine competitive advantage, allowing us to attract talent without geographic constraint and respond quickly to clients’ needs. The model has proven extremely effective, delivering exceptional outcomes for clients while posting consistent growth year after year,” she said.

With a diverse client portfolio including Automate UK, The PPMA Show, Schubert UK and Ishida, the decision to open a De Bono Marketing Communications office was driven by a growing client portfolio, an increase in face-to-face collaboration among team members and and a need for a professional environment to host clients.

Stage 1: Perfecting the Idea

Whether focusing on the development of apps for smartphones or tablets, it all begins with the concept. There should be some consideration of your audience, with key questions such as:

• What are the main frustrations and pain points?

• How might your app make everyday lives easier?

• What is your budget for app development?

• Are there similar apps to the one you’d like to develop?

• What might be the best platform for your app?

De Bono’s marketing experts promise to work in close collaboration, supporting ideation and homing in on your app’s core purpose. Building from the concept, we’ll focus on app effectiveness and quality.

Stage 2: Devising the Development Strategy

Having decided on your app concept, the next step will be to create an on-point strategy. This will give the project a clear sense of direction and purpose, taking your audience, goals, competition, and success indicators into consideration.

Again, you can rely on De Bono Marketing Communications, with the creation of a marketing plan and the choice of platforms to satisfy expectations. We’ll create a structured roadmap, leading to the successful launch of your app.

Stage 3: Designing the User Experience (UX)

Whether for work or play, your app should be shaped around the needs and expectations of your audience. Research should inform the creation of an easy and intuitive user experience, with the inclusion of suitable app features.

Taking a design-first approach, we promise to translate customer feedback into the development of wireframes and interactive prototypes. This will mean blending the best visual identity and app features for your brand.

Stage 4: Development

With your app's purpose and audience established, we can move forward to the development stage. This can be broken down into three key phases, beginning with the selection of back-end technology, such as databases, servers, and infrastructure for scalability. 

The next step will be to establish the API for effective communication between the front and back end. Care should also be taken in arranging the interface and interactivity of your app.

You’ll be in safe hands with De Bono Marketing Communications, as we select the best development methods and put the right team together for project success. Following a realistic timeline, we’ll stay in touch and let you know as key milestones are reached.

Development may take anywhere from a single month up to a year, depending on the complexity and integration of different features. Your app could be designed to work exclusively on iOS or Android. Alternatively, there’s the option of building for cross-platform functionality. 

We promise to take a flexible approach, combining traditional and modern frameworks for your version of success.

Stage 5: Testing

Testing will be vital, with any issues being identified and corrected before your app is released. There should be a review of the following elements:

• Functionality - considering your app’s suitability for the intended purpose

• Performance - ensuring effectiveness in terms of speed, responsiveness, and scalability

• Security - ensuring the protection of user data and the prevention of cyberattacks

• Compatibility - ensuring a consistent performance across operating systems and devices.

There’ll be the option of beta-testing or soft-launching your app, with user feedback being considered and updates made for the best experience. You can be assured that we’ll pay close attention to detail every step of the way.

Stage 6: Deployment

Finally, we come to the app launch. Again, you can rely on De Bono Marketing Communications, as we support everything from marketing to app store submission.

We’ll set your app up in a cloud-based environment for optimum performance and scalability, also ensuring compliance with the app store guidelines.

Stage 7: Maintenance and Continuous Improvement

There’s work to be done beyond the launch day, with user feedback having to be monitored and updates made accordingly. There should be a commitment to continuous improvement for the highest levels of satisfaction and success in any future app launches.

We’ll provide ongoing support, arranging updates and improving features to keep your customers happy.

Turning Ideas Into Digital Experiences

With apps being such vital brand touchpoints, there’s clear value in our development services. From concept to maintenance, we’ll support the realisation of your digital vision.

Get in touch and bring your app idea to life.